Costumerism

CHARLES II., Period of.
The dress illustrated (Fig.5) may be carried out in plain satin. The skirt full, the bodice low and stiff, with handsome jewelled trimming on front at neck, and fur bands which can be replaced if desired by a fall of lace, a full sleeve to elbow with an undersleeve of muslin and satin caught up in the fore-arm with a jewel. Ruffle, gloves, pearls round the throat , with a small bouquet of flowers at the side of the head. The women’s dress of this era is familiar from the bevy of beauties associated with it at Hampton Court in négligé attire. The bodices expose rather than cover the bust and neck; the curled locks fall on the shoulders, and are simply condined by a row of pearls; the arms are bare from elbow; a train and distinct front breadth form the skirt, and there is a plethora of lace. More homely women wore plain skirts, an upper one of a contrasting tone; pointed bodices, high to the throat, with a plain turn-down collar; the full sleeves to elbow are caught up with jewels at the bend of the arm; the shoes high on the instep, and very high in the heel, with roses or buckles.

The following is a good example: -Long skit of blue and gold brocade, with flounces of gold embroidery and point d’Alencon lace, train of old gold satin puffed and looped at the side with bows and pearls; bodice low with lace turning downwards from shoulders, sleeves fastened into elbow with diamond ornaments; diamond tiara.

from the book Fancy dresses described; or, what to wear at fancy balls (1896) by Ardern Holt